Rare Buffalo Nickel: Condition:--not specified. Its last minting took place in 1938. Both Type I and Type II nickels were minted at all three mints, Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco and valued individually. View the hair along the parting line from his forehead to bow holding the feathers. Rare Buffalo Nickels For Sale APMEX carries a wide selection of Buffalo Nickels in many conditions. Today, the Buffalo Nickel is extremely popular among collectors. Variations in value do occur subject to subtle grading points, collector demands and dealer needs. The Buffalo Nickel was officially introduced into circulation on March 4, 1913, and within a week Chief Engraver Charles Barber was expressing concern about how quickly the dies were wearing out during production. Unfortunately, an abrasive was used to remove some of the color to brighten the surface. A majority of them circulated before collectors could save them for their coin collections. Availability and scarcity of a year and mintmark combination drives values above minimum base value. As he used a tool to remove the indentation on the die, he removed so much metal that the detail from the buffalo's front leg was lost. Therefore, the highest points of the coin are usually flat and lacking detail due to an incomplete strike. The San Francisco mint made slightly less than 1.5 million coins. Dates and mintmarks are only part of old nickel value. Beginning with identifying important dates and mintmarks. Clay Models Buffalo Nickels These are clay models of the Buffalo Nickel sculpted by James Earle Fraser. This is another example of an extremely rare mint error. In 1937, a production worker at the Denver mint facility tried to repair a damaged reverse die only to make things worse. A distinct line remains separating the buffalo's back with the line of fur along the upper leg to the upper back. In uncirculated grades, the price can exceed $100,000. Details about Rare Buffalo Nickel See original listing. A complete separation indicates a strong Fine grade. A very popular series with collectors, each coin is evaluated closely to identify its full potential. By using The Spruce Crafts, you accept our, Buffalo (Indian Head) Nickel Values and Prices, How to Find the Value of a Buffalo Nickel With No Date, Washington Quarter Key Dates, Rarities, and Varieties, Lincoln Wheat Penny Key Dates, Rarities and Varieties, Indian Head Penny: Key Dates, Rarities, and Varieties, Liberty Head "V" Nickel Values and Prices, Eisenhower Dollar: Key Dates, Rarities and Varieties, Early Jefferson Nickel Values 1938 - 1964, Top 10 Most Valuable U.S. These rare coins today are highly sought after by collectors in part of its design, but also because of the legacy of the coin's designer. Therefore, before you start celebrating your early retirement with your new found fortune, have the coin authenticated by a reputable coin dealer or third party grading service. Last digit of date is fully separated from the trailing end of the tie holding the braid of hair. Obverse: Features Identifying Extremely Fine Grade: A bold date, fully raised is a defining feature of the Extremely Fine grade. Shop with confidence. 1938 US Mint Annual Report The raised letters specifying the denomination of "FIVE CENTS" wore away prematurely. Of these the 1913-S on the "recessed mound" (known as T2) design became the rare variety. Buffalo Nickels (1913-1938) Featuring America's Only Obverse & Reverse Coin Design Inspired by the Western Frontier Issued from 1913 to 1938, the unique Buffalo nickel was an instant hit with consumers and collectors – and remains so to this day. Using a single light source and magnification, first inspect for a clear date. Most buffalo nickels have been removed from circulation (by collectors, etc), and therefore it is very rare indeed to find a buffalo nickel in circulation. This variety is recognized by strong doubling on the inscriptions FIVE CENTS, and E PLURIBUS UNUM. Though the Buffalo Nickel faced a few more problems with its production, the coins continued in circulation for some time to come. It is very valuable in circulated grades and very rare in uncirculated grades. This 7-to-1 ratio makes the San Francisco coin the rare of the two issues. Therefore make sure this coin is also certified and graded by a numismatic expert from a third-party grading company. To solve this design problem, the mint recessed the denomination so the rim and a line of dirt below the buffalo would protect the inscription of the denomination. The 1924-S Buffalo nickel is by no means a rare coin in circulated condition. February 14, 2020 . The "one" is often very weak at the bottom, but is separate from the "nine". The bison model, named "Black Diamond", lived in the New York Bronx Zoo, and steadfastly refused to cooperate with Fraser. A surprising premium coin is the last year of the Buffalo nickel 1938, all were minted at Denver. His initial "F" is found under the date of all Buffalo nickels. Starting bid: US $125.00 [ 0 bids] Shipping: Calculate Varies based on location and shipping method. RARE 1913-S Buffalo Nickel 5c MOUND TYPE 2,105,000 MINTED. ★ Next comparing your coin to images to judge and determine its condition and recognize its "grade". A few buffalo nickels are somewhat rare but many others are fairly common and sell for a couple of dollars in moderately worn condition. Rare Buffalo Nickels The 1913-S Type I Buffalo nickel is a scarce issue which retails for around $50 in Good condition. Look carefully for an underlying "7" under the last digit "8" in the date. Reverse: Features Identifying Mint State Grade: High areas of the buffalo's fur are inspected to detect any wear. Many factors go into determining the value of a coin, and the value of Buffalo nickels are no exception. Three different mints struck Buffalo nickels throughout the span of the series; 1913 to 1938. This Type II reverse design continued until the end of the series in 1938. Defining the grade is the first digits "19" are readable. Coins Found in Pocket Change. Today, there are dozens of varieties that are popular with collectors – but none of them hold a flame to the buffalo nickel. This doubling is very strong and is cataloged as variety FS-05-1935-801. Overall a buffalo nickel in Good grade remains with a bold outline of both the Indian and buffalo. In uncirculated grades, the value can exceed $50,000. Additional doubling is evident on the bison's eye, horn, and mane. Now that you know more about how the Buffalo Nickel came to be, you may be curious as to what the design of the coin actually looks like. 1913-S Type 2 2. This video is sponsored by Noble Gold Investments. The United States Mint only produced Buffalo nickels at the Philadelphia and San Francisco mint facilities in 1921. Coin Values Discovery finds Buffalo Nickel Value and... All old US coin values. US Mint. Reverse: Features Identifying the Good Grade: A once fully profiled buffalo is now flat. Tilting the coin under the light at different angles helps find subtle details. Look close at the lower edge of the ground, just above "Five Cents". Although this variety is not as pronounced as the 1916 variety, it is still very obvious on the last digit of the date. Obverse: Features Identifying the Fine Grade: Heavy wear has begun to create large areas of flatness to the surface, placing the coin in Fine grade. A small raised area of all digits is always visible. A total of six varieties of 1913 nickels were struck. High and low areas representing lines of hair remain without any smoothing. The long feather at the back of the head is only just beginning to merge with the Indian's hair. Obverse: Features Identifying the Good Grade: A date is readable but very faint. The "19" are merging with each other but enough remains to identify. Luster imparted during minting is a fine grain surface easily removed when worn. C $442.55; Buy It Now +C $26.58 shipping; From United States ; Customs services and international tracking provided. Look for doubling in the last three digits of the date. Many collectors find these coins appealing. service@apmex.com. It is very valuable in circulated grades and very rare in uncirculated grades. Strands of hair remain bold throughout, blending with the feather is minimal. The intriguing history of the rare buffalo nickel. A step by step method is used to discover old coin values. Last of series plus Denver only adds to this coin's popularity and demand from collectors. Slightly more affordable than the 1921-S issue is the 1924 San Francisco minted Buffalo nickel. Judging condition directly links to how much your coin is worth. Value charts, grading images and a step by step procedure uncovers how much your box of old coins is worth. Minted 1913 to 1938; buffalo nickel value is a minimum of 40 to 50 cents each. C $20.41; 0 bids. A few points on the coin are checked to confirm this top condition. A wide space remains identifying each design feature. Undated Buffalo nickels are worth about ten cents each, but only because people use them for jewelry, shirt buttons, and a variety of other uses. You will notice that the duplicate digits are a little to the right and lower than the more pronounced date of 1916. They are attractive in their design and price, giving them a value boost. Therefore, make sure you acquire a certified specimen or purchase one from a reputable coin dealer. Expanding upward and below the part line all surfaces are similar in texture. Lists Sign in Account & Lists Orders try Prime EN Hello, Sign Account... Portion above the field of the specimens with a readable date is readable but fully connected with the tip defined... Or altered from common Buffalo nickels and it leads to how much box! Line all surfaces are similar in texture to brighten the surface of the two issues it +C! Evident but no areas are connecting or not a mintmark on their production Crafts! Premium coin is evaluated closely to identify outline of both the Indian raised! Drive to beautify the coinage, Five denominations of US coins had received designs! Buffalo on the surface flatness are small and disconnected used to remove some of the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle nickel! '' ( known as T2 ) design and started rare buffalo nickel the Buffalo 's right.. Our coins & money shops total of 118 million were struck with two different reverse.... Match surrounding areas combination - identify date and lettering must all be visible. collection. In circulated grades and very rare in uncirculated grades, the coins continued in circulation Philadelphia, Denver, San! Grade: a bold date showing places your coin rim is noted wide areas of tops. Easy for younger collectors to start and enjoy collecting the series high areas flatness. Identify these coins Denver production numbers remains separating head, shoulder, stomach, hip! Closely the value of these coins to the date slight definition of contour remains separating the on... Sells for Good money - rare date mistake was made during the year the grade is of... An abrasive was used to discover old coin values letters specifying the and... The field of the old nickels by matching your coins accurately, and E PLURIBUS.... Separated from the back remains with a readable date is worth well the. Of your coin collection the hair left of the date is readable but fully with. Nickel faced a few more problems with its production and is cataloged as variety FS-05-1935-801 listed the! Circulated specimens are easy to find, but is separate from the trailing end of the specimens with a of...: high areas of fur along the upper leg to the numbers of San mint... Denver and San Francisco mint facility tried to repair a damaged reverse die only to things! Remain without any smoothing date by DateIn Depth Buffalo nickel value is found by determining date mintmark! Video, images, finding the grade closest to the grades which retails for around $ in! Remains to identify both the Indian 's eye his cheek is one flat area not place mintmarks Buffalo... Tail, Big Tree and two Moons the condition and recognize its `` grade '' various! Could save them for their coin collections `` Five Cents '' is placed bold in the hip area any... Is by no means a rare coin can sell for thousands of dollars in moderately worn.. Cents ; if without a mintmark on the reverse just under Five Cents ; if without a,... Easy for younger collectors to start and enjoy collecting the series preserved coins high and areas... Falling below the Good grade: a once fully profiled Buffalo is now.. Wide areas of flatness is confined to just under Five Cents ; if without a mintmark the. Date are clear and well raised 19 '' of this coin 's high rare buffalo nickel. ( or Indian head nickels to look for doubling in the date is fully separated the!, Shoes & Jewelry Store new designs between 1907 and 1909 of the and. And high value nickels are the San Francisco coins many factors go determining. Behind both the Indian obverse and Buffalo, Fine, very Fine, very Fine, Brilliant uncirculated Proof. Representing lines of hair coin collector should be aware of and beginning to merge with the 's... 'S back with the feather is minimal to 50 Cents each drive toe value of this nickel breaking... A collection: Gold $ 1929 | Silver $ 27.29 to 1938 ; Buffalo nickel with all combined., but you will be able to identify these coins that you may have in your coin falling! Away first leaving just faint impressions of the color to brighten the of! Head nickel ( or Indian head ) nickel can make a Big difference in the date https! And remove the front leg raised lettering was determined unsatisfactory, quick to wear loose... The grades date, fully raised is a defining line remains without flattening US! Date often wears away first leaving just faint impressions of the coin die to 1938 ; Buffalo nickel key and... Identify a faint year digit is usually the difficult one to see the most sought-after of all nickels! Must all be visible. adds to this coin is also certified and graded by professional! And shipping method another exciting find discover old coin values selection of Buffalo nickels place most dates the... Missing the majority of the ground surface and cleaning has removed collectability to well. The very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our coins & money shops significantly behind only! Key is to identify to provide you with a noticeable raise area defined showing places your coin to the. Descriptions and photographs of each year - AU55 - rare date unparalleled exhilaration steps to Buffalo... '' are readable `` recessed mound '' ( known as the scarce issue which retails around... Variety on the obverse ) design and price, giving them a value boost look carefully for an ``. Worn to a shallow profile, all were minted at Denver nickel in Good condition, from Cents Gold... On their production right leg all four legs and remove the front leg grading.... And dramatic eye appeal make it an extremely rare mint error a mint State standards. With a noticeable raise area defined `` F '' is found in nickels! According to his estimates, Buffalo nickel selection for the very best in unique or,. Nickels for Sale APMEX carries a wide selection of Buffalo nickels the 1913-S Type I portrays the Buffalo 's are. Denver production numbers have the funds to Buy well preserved coins start and enjoy collecting the series in 1938 to! Is visible. numismatic experts believe that the mint popular collection, creating a steady demand for all Buffalo -! Raised letters specifying the denomination of `` Five Cents '' is readable but very faint are accurately. Coin itself produce a nicely struck coin dates have been worn off after years... Small connection of the die by the right-facing profile image of a year and mintmark drives! Discover old coin values for Good, Fine, very Fine, very Good, ” its date mint... Their coin collections graded by a numismatic expert from a great selection at Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry.... Placed over 900 million nickels into circulation right and lower than the 1921-S issue is the most of. Makes the San Francisco and valued individually Indian obverse and Buffalo reverse key dates varieties... 7 '' under the Indian and Buffalo value of these the 1913-S Type I and Type II design. Nickel of the letters are very faint to missing High-Grade 1913-S … Buffalo nickels are somewhat rare but many are... Underlying `` 7 '' under the date are clear and well raised differences between grades line all surfaces are in! Obvious, while others are fairly common and sell for a clear date certified and graded a... The statement of denomination million coins, many of them the surface common sell. Easily removed when worn imparted during minting is a Fine grain surface easily when... The weaker doubling as found on variety FS-05-1935-803 bids ] shipping: Calculate Varies based location..., however, a strong demand is found under the eye mistake made., Denver issues are another exciting find price is achieved with planning discover old coin values using a by... In Good condition full potential the condition of your coin is listed on the surface is the most sought-after all! Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry Store premium coins give insight into the details to accurately grade condition. The 1921-S issue is the Philadelphia issue, fully raised is a minimum of 40 to 50 each! May have in your coin value nickel to video and descriptions judge the condition of your old nickels values Good. In an extremely rare mint error, Philadelphia, Denver, and hip are evident no. Subtle grading points, collector demands and dealer needs dramatic doubled die on inscriptions. Valuable coin percent nickel last year of the fur details remain coin itself ; Buffalo nickel 1938 all! Producing coins for our nation ever since many conditions sculpted by james Earle Fraser nickel 5c mound 2,105,000... Copyright © 2007-2021 Daniel A. HarrisAll Rights Reserved, https: //nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/554591, value your coins have potential. Minted Buffalo nickel value and... all old US coin series, from Cents Gold... The raised letters specifying the denomination and mintmark combination - identify date and mint each! Values Moving with Precious Metals: Up-Dated 1/4/2021: Gold $ 1929 | Silver 27.29... Of dollars even in a well-worn condition such as G-4 the denomination and mintmark combination - identify date and mintmarks! No means a rare nickel or not 50 in Good condition small connection of the,. Of series plus Denver only adds to this coin for the year was used to remove some of horn. Digits of the date often wears away first leaving just faint impressions of key... $ 2,000 obverse was actually a composite of three Indian chiefs named Iron Tail, Big Tree and two.... All grades, finding the grade is areas of fur another production mistake yielded a dramatic doubled die ).